Dealing With a Toothache? 5 Ways to Feel Better Before You Get into the Dentist Office

Having a toothache may seem like a problem that should have disappeared along with your childhood. Many adults don’t take time to consider their oral health on a daily basis, therefore they miss crucial times to take care of their teeth throughout the day. This can lead to cavities and toothaches. The following are five ways you can alleviate tooth pain before the dentist is able to see you.

1. Saltwater

This may bring up memories from your childhood, your mother telling you to rinse your mouth out with saltwater no matter what the issue may be. However, dentists agree with mom! Washing your mouth out with saltwater to relieve tooth pain is one of the oldest and effective ways to do so. Mix a few teaspoons of salt in hot water. Gargle with the water 2-3 times a day. The salt and the heat from the water may temporarily halt the throbbing pain of a toothache.

2. Food-based remedies

Clove oil, garlic cloves, or an onion slice are all time-tested home remedies for toothache. If you choose to use the clove oil, douse a cotton ball in the oil and let it soak. Hold the cotton ball in your mouth near the gum, beside the tooth that it is pain. Keep in mind clove oil is spicy, do not expose your gums to the soaked cotton ball for too long or it could burn the sensitive skin. Garlic cloves and onions are used to distract the person from pain. It is suggested to bite down with the painful tooth on the clove or onion. The chemical allicin is released from cloves that is an oily natural disease fighter.

3. Cold Compress

If your cheek or gums are swelling you should put ice or a cold compress on the side of your mouth that is in pain. The cold from the compress with help the swelling go down as well. The cold will also relieve the pain of a toothache for a little while. If your gums or cheek is swelling make sure you go to the clinic or emergency dental services (with the cold compress in hand). Swelling means there could be an abscess in your tooth. An abscess is a sack of puss. These sacks can lead to infection and serious illness so it is good to get it checked out as soon as possible.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Everyone has a bottle of hydrogen peroxide in their medicine cabinet, and sometimes it isn’t touched for years, but in this case it’s time to bust open that bottle. Mix the hydrogen peroxide with water and gargle with it. The pain relief is minimal, however hydrogen peroxide is a powerful germ killer. Using the hydrogen peroxide to gargle with warm water will clean your mouth and ensure no further damage is being down by the bacteria in your mouth. Most toothaches are caused by an infection between the tooth and the gum, cleaning this area will surely help your tooth pain even if only a little.

5. Tea Tree Oil

This is an inexpensive and natural way to eliminate tooth pain. Douse a Q-tip with Tea Tree Oil, which can be found at any health food store, and usually grocery stores as well. Gently apply the oil to the area of your gum that is enflamed or in pain. Make sure you are keeping your tongue far enough away from the Q-tip as tea tree oil does not taste good. Applying the oil 2-3 times a day, the remedy takes about 2 days to take effect. After the pain is gone, continue for one more day as an insurance policy.

As a family practice, we provide comfortable care for patients of all ages, from children to adults. From the moment you walk in the door, you’ll benefit from our experience & detail-oriented approach, as well as our warm & caring treatment philosophy.